Former CEO of Vision UK, Former CEO of Sainsbury’s Bank, Former General Manager of Brands for British Airways & Won the Sheth Distinguished International Alumnus Award
Hamish Taylor’s Biography:
Hamish Taylor is one of the United Kingdom’s most respected business leaders, renowned for transforming customer experience and driving growth across some of the country’s best-known brands. Best known for his leadership roles at British Airways, Eurostar, Sainsbury’s Bank, and Vision Express, Hamish has built a reputation for turning organisations into customer-focused success stories. His ability to translate boardroom strategy into practical, memorable lessons has made him one of the most sought-after keynote speakers for businesses looking to improve performance, innovation, and customer engagement.
Hamish began his career in brand management with Procter & Gamble UK, where he developed a strong foundation in marketing and consumer understanding. He later joined PwC as a management consultant, advising organisations on business performance and transformation. His expertise in brand development led to his appointment as General Manager of Brands for British Airways, where he helped strengthen one of the world’s most recognised airline brands. He went on to become Chief Executive Officer of the Eurostar Group, guiding the international rail operator through a period of significant growth and earning the Rail Professional Business Manager of the Year award. Following this success, he became Chief Executive Officer of Sainsbury’s Bank before serving as Chief Executive Officer of Vision UK, the company behind Vision Express. Alongside his executive career, he was recognised as a Fellow of both the Chartered Institute for Transport and the Chartered Institute of Bankers. His achievements were further acknowledged with the prestigious Sheth Distinguished International Alumnus Award.
Throughout his career, Hamish has been widely recognised as an authority on customer experience, leadership, and business transformation. His insights have been featured across major business media and industry events, where he is regularly invited to share lessons from leading some of Britain’s most customer-focused organisations. Drawing on experience from aviation, transport, financial services, and retail, he offers audiences practical examples of how successful organisations create competitive advantage through customer-centric thinking. His presentations are known for combining strategic insight with engaging stories from the front line of business leadership.
Why Hire Hamish Taylor?
Since establishing his own business, Hamish Taylor has advised organisations around the world on growth, innovation and customer excellence. As a keynote speaker, he stands out because he has personally led major brands rather than simply studied them. Audiences value his ability to challenge conventional thinking, simplify complex business issues and provide actionable ideas that can be implemented immediately. His blend of boardroom experience, commercial success and engaging delivery ensures that delegates leave inspired, informed and equipped with practical tools to improve performance, making him an exceptional choice for conferences, leadership events and corporate gatherings.
Hamish Taylor’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Hamish Taylor’s remarkable career:
- 2004 – Owner of Hamish Taylor
- 2004 – Awarded the Sheth Distinguished International Alumnus Award
- 2001 – CEO of Vision UK
- 2000 – Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers
- 1999 – CEO of Sainsbury’s Bank
- 1999 – Fellow of the Chartered Insititute for Transport
- 1998 – Awarded the Rail Professional Business Manager of the Year award
- 1997 – CEO of Eurostar Group
- 1993 – General Manager of Brands for British Airways
- 1990 – Management Consultant for PwC
- 1984 – Brand Management for Procter & Gamble UK
Videos
Hamish Taylor’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Hamish brings an infectious energy to the table. He is enthusiastic yet very keen on hearing what you have to say hence his collaborative approach to creating a piece of work that not only is effective but truly meets the client’s needs. His enthusiasm is matched with genuine experienced insights into the world of business. The work that Hamish did for the Post Office was received extremely well by the senior management audience and indeed several of whom had a ‘corridor’ chat with me raving about this guy ‘Hamish’. He has real credibility and this shines through in everything he did with us. All in all, we would do business again – it was a pleasure!!!” – Post Office
“One of the best presentations I have ever seen, let alone had the good fortune to Chair” – Chairman, Economist IT Directors Conference
“Hamish’s presentations crackle with energy and original insights that make even our group of top-level, seasoned, high-achieving UK business and public sector leaders think ‘Crikey: that’s inspiring! Why didn’t I think of that!?’ And these are people who it’s hard to impress…” – Chairman, The Inspired Leaders Network
“It went fantastically well, I can’t begin to tell you how good Hamish was” – UBS
“Brilliant inspirational speaker. Really enjoyed the session.” – Ernst & Young
“Is there such a thing as a perfect CV? Probably not, but in terms of the quality and profile of companies worked for, jobs done, education and achievement, Hamish Taylor’s takes some beating.” – The Times
“One of the best presentations I have ever seen, let alone had the good fortune to Chair” – Chairman, Economist IT Directors Conference
Speaking Topics
Hamish Taylor‘s Official Keynote Topics:
- Playing Reverse Football – Lessons in Making Sure You Take the Organisation with You!
- MasterThief – Lessons in Driving Innovation and Change by Stealing Ideas from the Outside
- The Customer Promise – Lesson in Putting the Customer at the Heart of All Activities
How Much Does Hamish Taylor Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Hamish Taylor?
Hamish Taylor’s speaking fees typically reflect their exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.